Best of British music at Hatfield House

Heather Jan Brunt

The country’s premier picnic concert series returns to Hatfield House in their 20th anniversary year.

Since their first concert in 1997, the Battle Proms have treated their audiences to a heady mix of sublime classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and stunning firework finales.

Queen Elizabeth Oak Field will once more play host to an expected crowd of 8,000 when the Battle Proms returns to Hatfield House on Saturday, July 15, with gates opening at 4.30pm.

The Battle Proms takes much of its historical inspiration from the Napoleonic wars. As well as staging a colourful skill-at-arms cavalry display in full regalia, the Battle Proms is also the place to see Beethoven’s Battle Symphony performed as he intended. Written to celebrate a key victory during the Peninsula War, the Battle Symphony was composed to include 193 live firing canons, not something you can find in your average concert hall! But the Battle Proms team brings over 200 cannons to each of their concerts for use in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the Battle Symphony.

It is this authentic, groundshaking and breathtaking percussion that makes the Battle Proms signature piece a truly remarkable experience.

And if that wasn’t drama enough, the Battle Proms have worked closely with the Grace Spitfire team over the years to create one of the most carefully choreographed Spitfire displays you are likely to catch this summer. This display has the iconic plane dancing through the sky to the opening pieces of the orchestral performance by the 60 piece New English Concert Orchestra.

With a full orchestral programme, and star soprano Denise Leigh, the evening will end with a flag waving Last Night of the Proms style finale, as a spectacular firework display lights up the sky.

Tickets cost £35 if booked before the end of April, then increase to £38. If bought on the day of the concert (subject to availability) they are £43.

For more information and to book tickets go to www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355416. The Battle Proms supports Combat Stress, the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, with contributions from concert profits.